Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Employees in the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, work in many different fields and have different background and training. If you are interested in a career in fish and wildlife, here are a few general guidelines:

In High School: Focus on science courses, such as biology, chemistry, physiology, and math. Other important courses include composition and public speaking, ecology, natural resources, or conservation biology.

In College: Some Universities and Colleges offer majors in wildlife management, fisheries management, limnology, or natural resources management. Other classes to take would include ecology, physiology, zoology, ichthyology, and conservation biology. A strong background in math, statistics, and public speaking is recommended.

About Fish & Wildlife positions

The Division of Fish and Wildlife’s fisheries section employs about 20 full-time fisheries management and research biologists.

What they do:

Lake, river, and stream surveys using both nets and electrofishing gear

Collect data such as length, weight, and take scales, otoliths, or spines for aging

Maintain field equipment, give presentations, manage aquatic habitat

Conduct research projects on fish and their habitat

Analyze data using statistics

What degree do I need:

Most of our management biologists have B.S. degrees in fisheries biology or a related field.

Most of our research staff and many of our management biologists have Master's degrees in fisheries biology or a related field.

Fish Hatchery Managers

Fish hatchery managers and biologists operate and maintain Indiana’s eight fish hatcheries. The fish hatcheries provide fish to be stocked in public waters across the state, providing more fishing opportunities for Indiana anglers. Fish hatchery managers have a background in fish culture and some universities or colleges have fish-culture majors or courses.

Consult with private landowners to enhance or protect wildlife on private land

Conduct research projects on various species and habitats on both game and nongame species

What degree do I need:

Most of our wildlife biologist have B. S. degrees in wildlife biology or a related field

Many of our research biologists have M. S. degrees with a strong background in statistics

Wildlife Information & Education

It takes dedicated people to promote fish and wildlife resources. Information specialists regularly communicate with the media through radio, television, newspaper and the web. Teaching people about fish and wildlife, conservation, and natural resources is an important job. People seeking this type of employment should have good public speaking skills and be well organized.

Law EnforcementConservation officers enforce the rules and regulations associated with fish and wildlife. The Indiana DNR’s Law Enforcement Division’s mission is to protect, as well as, encourage the wise use of all our natural resources, and to serve the citizenry of the State of Indiana through an aggressive educational campaign and a highly visible law enforcement presence. A person wanting to apply to the Conservation Officers Recruit Training School must have an associate’s degree or have completed at least two years of a four year program.